After polling at the Sankarankoil by-election passed off peacefully on Sunday, the entire police force of 3,000 personnel mobilised was moved to Kudankulam on Monday. Even as this exercise was going on, Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Rajseh Das, reached Kudankulam to hold discussion with Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tirunelveli Range, V. Varadharaju, and his subordinates.
In addition, police forces from all other southern districts were mobilised. “Fifteen police pickets will be established at strategic points and senior police officers, including Superintendents of Police, will be involved in monitoring the situation at these points,” informed a top police officer.
Prohibitory order
Prohibitory order under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code was clamped on the Radhapuram taluk.
Kudankulam falls under the Radhapuram taluk.
According to police officials, the intention is to prevent movement of people from one village to another. The order will remain in force till April 2.
Late in the night, police personnel, including top officials, moved towards Idinthakarai in vehicles, the venue of anti-Kudankulam protest.
Central Industrial Security Force personnel from Kerala also reached Kudankulam area. The coastal belt falling under the prohibitory zone of Kudankulam has been handed over to the CISF.
When the villagers of coastal hamlets tried to reach Idinthakarai via East Coast Road, the police, which had diverted vehicular traffic between Chettikulam and Uvari prevented them.
Left with no option, the fishermen reached Idinthakarai by sea in their boats to express solidarity with the protesters, who burnt the AIADMK membership cards at Idinthakarai.
